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The city will go wild tonight

By Michael Barnes | Tuesday, November 4, 2008, 06:30 PM

Update: As you undoubtedly know — and will always remember with precise, concrete details — Barack Obama won tonight. And from my window, from the horns, fireworks and laughter, I’d say the city is going wild.

What a time to be stuck on the couch. At least it’s with Kip and Steven — and six or seven news channels.

I can feel the social electricity from the open windows. My laptop fairly vibrates with a once-in-a-generation excitement about a presidential election. John McCain certainly has earned his supporters in Austin, but it’s probably the bluest big city in the South or Southwest.

That means, while both sides will throw parties, if Barack Obama wins, it will be bigger than the Longhorns winning the national football championship. (And for you sports skeptics out there — that’s the most delirious I’ve seen Austin.) As a social observer, I’ve sensed almost nothing but political buzz over the wires and wireless for the past few days.

Remember that George W. Bush’s delayed election-night celebration was planned for downtown Austin, in front of the Capitol. I recall a few triumphalist Bush backers lord it over their Dem friends the next few weeks. Hope Barack backers are better sports, no matter how gleeful. We all must continue to share the city. (Obviously, should he win. I’m no prognosticator.)

As social columnist, I should be there. But why endanger all the hard work invested in a upgraded heart? No, I just sit here with Kip and Steven.

Send me your election-night party stories. I’ll post the ones that are publishable.

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